Following several days of persistent thunderstorms, firefighters remain alert for another bout of gusty, erratic winds on the McDonald Fire Wednesday afternoon.
2024 Alaska Fire Season
Initial attack increases across Southwest Alaska causing air quality to diminish
On Monday, Southwest Alaska saw an increase in initial attack fire activity due to an abundance of lightning and new fire starts prompting an air quality advisory for smoke until Thursday, June 20. The accompanying Red Flag Warning for increased… Read More ›
Recent lightning sparks multiple new fires in Southwest Alaska
The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is actively managing numerous new fires in Alaska’s Southwest Area. 20 new fires have been confirmed after Monday’s widespread lightning in the region. Detection flights are planned to check on the location of… Read More ›
Gusty erratic winds increase fire behavior on McDonald Fire
Size: 35,618 acres Personnel: 73 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning Update 1:15 p.m. – The Fairbanks North Star Borough expanded the READY notice Tuesday to residences along the Johnson Road and near the Salcha Campgrounds. Find more information… Read More ›
Two Wildfires Monitored in Katmai National Park and Preserve
KING SALMON, Alaska — Two wildfires are currently being monitored by personnel with the National Park Service and Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection within the boundaries of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Both fires are likely lightning-caused, and do… Read More ›
First Confirmed Wildland Fires of the Season Detected in Noatak National Preserve
The first confirmed wildland fires of the season have been detected in Noatak National Preserve. On June 13th, fires were reported by the Galena Fire Management Zone Office. The cause of the fires is undetermined at this time. The Alaska… Read More ›
Red Flag Warning issued for Southwest Alaska until 10 pm.
6/17/2024 – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of Southwest Alaska in the vicinities of McGrath and Bethel including the western Alaska Range, middle Kuskokwim Valley and the Kuskokwim River delta. Ample lightning, paired… Read More ›
McDonald Fire resources shift to meet challenges from the increased fire behavior
Size: 30,590.9 acres Personnel: 57 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning Updated information at 4:40 p.m., June 17, 2024: Two Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection engines are patrolling the Richardson Highway across the Tanana River from the… Read More ›
Warmer, dryer weather predicted as work continues on the McDonald Fire
Size: 30,022 acres Personnel: 57 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Sunny skies have contributed to warming and drying across the McDonald Fire. On Saturday afternoon, a fly over of the McDonald Fire showed mostly smoldering… Read More ›
Forecasted warm weather will likely increase fire behavior, smoke on the McDonald Fire
Size: 32,725.9 acres Personnel: 54 Start Date: June 8, 2024 Cause: Lightning FAIRBANKS, Alaska – After days of rain, warmer, drier weather will return to the McDonald Fire area this weekend, possibly increasing fire activity and smoke. The Blair Lakes… Read More ›
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 